Yummy! Ragi Ladoo

Ragi Ladoo is a healthy and delicious sweet treat made from finger millet (ragi) flour, jaggery, and ghee. It is packed with calcium, iron, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect snack for all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ragi (finger millet) flour
• ½ cup jaggery, powdered (adjust sweetness to taste)
• ¼ cup grated coconut (optional, for extra flavor)
• 3-4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 8-10 cashew nuts, chopped
• 4-5 cardamom pods, powdered or ½ teaspoon cardamom powder

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Ragi Flour

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ragi flour and roast it on low heat until it gives a nutty aroma and turns slightly darker in color. This takes about 7-10 minutes.
3. Transfer the roasted flour to a large mixing bowl and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Jaggery Mixture

1. In a small pan, add the powdered jaggery and 2-3 tablespoons of water.
2. Heat the mixture on low flame until the jaggery dissolves completely.
3. Strain the jaggery syrup to remove impurities and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Coconut and Nuts

1. If using grated coconut, dry roast it in a pan until the moisture evaporates, but do not brown it. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan, fry the chopped cashew nuts until golden brown, and set them aside.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the jaggery syrup, roasted coconut (if using), fried cashews, and cardamom powder to the roasted ragi flour.
2. Mix everything well while adding ghee little by little. The mixture should be moist enough to bind into balls.

Step 5: Shape the Ladoos

1. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into ladoos by rolling it between your palms.
2. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make all the ladoos.

Tips for Perfect Ragi Ladoos

• If the mixture feels too dry to shape, add 1-2 teaspoons of warm ghee.
• Store the ladoos in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

Enjoy these nutritious and tasty Ragi Ladoos as a healthy snack or dessert! 😊